Can't give everything away - Revision history

Thespaceinvader at 16:21, 6 March 2026

2026-03-06T16:21:00Z

Twiggy at 01:55, 9 February 2026

2026-02-09T01:55:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:55, 9 February 2026
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	There was also a query from '''Allegra i Riqueza''' which clarifies the matter further. Apparently there is concern about an unknown [[eternal]] of the [[Realms#Winter\|Winter]] emerging to threaten the Empire? Reference to ''kings of nothing and queens of the void'' means little to the Bedelaar Huisbaas herself, but has apparently sparked some recognition among some of the more peculiar members of magical society in the Delves.		There was also a query from '''Allegra i Riqueza''' which clarifies the matter further. Apparently there is concern about an unknown [[eternal]] of the [[Realms#Winter\|Winter]] emerging to threaten the Empire? Reference to ''kings of nothing and queens of the void'' means little to the Bedelaar Huisbaas herself, but has apparently sparked some recognition among some of the more peculiar members of magical society in the Delves.

	There are plenty of Sarcophan magicians who have experience dealing with eternals with an interest in the sea - or more realistically in concepts and resonances expressed through the metaphor of water and the ocean. Propitiating ''[[Siakha\|Maelstrom]]'' and trying to avoid her indiscriminate wrath (mostly, confesses the Sarcophan Ambassador, with limited success); trying to find ways to profit from the whimsical moods of the ''[[Rhianos\|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]''; hosting visitors from the City of Salt and Sail and things of that nature. Each of the six realms has their own "take" on what the sea means, but personally Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike finds most of them effectively useless - too esoteric, dangerous, or just flat out peculiar to be of value when compared to the kind of assistance that can be secured by the Sovereign-Lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Ocean]] (it's an interesting piece of trivia that some Sarcophan envision the Autumn ~~Realm~~ as a great ocean, with the cities built on islands, rather than the Iron Labyrinth favoured among Imperial magicians).		There are plenty of Sarcophan magicians who have experience dealing with eternals with an interest in the sea - or more realistically in concepts and resonances expressed through the metaphor of water and the ocean. Propitiating ''[[Siakha\|Maelstrom]]'' and trying to avoid her indiscriminate wrath (mostly, confesses the Sarcophan Ambassador, with limited success); trying to find ways to profit from the whimsical moods of the ''[[Rhianos\|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]''; hosting visitors from the City of Salt and Sail and things of that nature. Each of the six realms has their own "take" on what the sea means, but personally Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike finds most of them effectively useless - too esoteric, dangerous, or just flat out peculiar to be of value when compared to the kind of assistance that can be secured by the Sovereign-Lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Ocean]] (it's an interesting piece of trivia that some Sarcophan envision the Autumn realm as a great ocean, with the cities built on islands, rather than the Iron Labyrinth favoured among Imperial magicians).

	Almost grudgingly, though, Annike confirms that there was ''some'' recognition from some of the magicians she mentioned "a dangerous eternal of the Winter ~~Realm~~ tied to the sea" to. They refused to talk about it, however, and advised having nothing to do with it if at all possible. With the written equivalent of a sigh, then, the Sarcophan Ambassador proposes that in the event the Imperial Ambassador thinks any of this technical knowledge might be useful, she would be happy to host a visiting researcher from the Empire's [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Doing so in the past has proved good for business after all. The researcher would need to spend time talking to magicians, and so she estimates an overall cost to the Empire of 10 Thrones. The research would take time - the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] calculate it will need six months due to the distances involved. The assigned researcher would not be available until the work was complete, but would only count as a use of historical research for the summit where it was commissioned. There's no rush on this - the Sarcophan magicians are not going anywhere.		Almost grudgingly, though, Annike confirms that there was ''some'' recognition from some of the magicians she mentioned "a dangerous eternal of the Winter realm tied to the sea" to. They refused to talk about it, however, and advised having nothing to do with it if at all possible. With the written equivalent of a sigh, then, the Sarcophan Ambassador proposes that in the event the Imperial Ambassador thinks any of this technical knowledge might be useful, she would be happy to host a visiting researcher from the Empire's [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Doing so in the past has proved good for business after all. The researcher would need to spend time talking to magicians, and so she estimates an overall cost to the Empire of 10 Thrones. The research would take time - the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] calculate it will need six months due to the distances involved. The assigned researcher would not be available until the work was complete, but would only count as a use of historical research for the summit where it was commissioned. There's no rush on this - the Sarcophan magicians are not going anywhere.

	The Civil Service point out that the value of this research will be heavily dependent on its scope; if there is a particular eternal they are interested in it might be best to ask about that rather than a more general query about spirits of the sea. It's well known that [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic\|Sarcophan magicians]] have their own particular areas of interest just as Imperial nations do. There's also a risk that what works in the Delves for dealing with eternals will not automatically work for Imperial magicians. ''Caveat emptor'', as they say in Old Asavean.		The Civil Service point out that the value of this research will be heavily dependent on its scope; if there is a particular eternal they are interested in it might be best to ask about that rather than a more general query about spirits of the sea. It's well known that [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic\|Sarcophan magicians]] have their own particular areas of interest just as Imperial nations do. There's also a risk that what works in the Delves for dealing with eternals will not automatically work for Imperial magicians. ''Caveat emptor'', as they say in Old Asavean.
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	* '''The offer is good for the Summer Solstice only		* '''The offer is good for the Summer Solstice only
	* '''They caution against including more than a dozen black pearls in any Ephisis' Box		* '''They caution against including more than a dozen black pearls in any Ephisis' Box
	Several Sarcophan merchants visiting the Empire this season have become aware of a peculiar phenomenon in which [[The_last_leg#Pearls_Before_Swine\|strange black pearls]] are being found by captains traversing the Bay of Catazar. Some of these Sarcophan have themselves come into possession of them. By coincidence, a Sarcophan magician visiting family at the Alvetti Estates was on board one of the ships who found one of these pearls and on reaching the docks immediately issued an offer to the fleet captains of the Empire. It appears that the magicians of the ''Deep Water Spiritweavers'' - a wealthy [[bands#coven\|coven]] of Sarcophan dedicated to ship-based magics, will offer a ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' in return for 12 of these black pearls placed in an [[Ephisis' Scale\|Ephisis Box]] along with a piece of parchment bearing a drawing of a ship's anchor. A ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' is a difficult to get hold of [[:Category:Foci\|magical focus]] that apparently offers a small boost to the ability to perform any ritual that enchants a [[fleet]] - regardless of the "school of magic" (that is, the ~~Realm~~) to which it belongs. The mask will be delivered by the start of the Autumn Equinox.		Several Sarcophan merchants visiting the Empire this season have become aware of a peculiar phenomenon in which [[The_last_leg#Pearls_Before_Swine\|strange black pearls]] are being found by captains traversing the Bay of Catazar. Some of these Sarcophan have themselves come into possession of them. By coincidence, a Sarcophan magician visiting family at the Alvetti Estates was on board one of the ships who found one of these pearls and on reaching the docks immediately issued an offer to the fleet captains of the Empire. It appears that the magicians of the ''Deep Water Spiritweavers'' - a wealthy [[bands#coven\|coven]] of Sarcophan dedicated to ship-based magics, will offer a ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' in return for 12 of these black pearls placed in an [[Ephisis' Scale\|Ephisis Box]] along with a piece of parchment bearing a drawing of a ship's anchor. A ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' is a difficult to get hold of [[:Category:Foci\|magical focus]] that apparently offers a small boost to the ability to perform any ritual that enchants a [[fleet]] - regardless of the "school of magic" (that is, the realm) to which it belongs. The mask will be delivered by the start of the Autumn Equinox.

	It is important, stresses the Deep Water Spiritweaver, that ''only'' twelve pearls be placed in a given box. More than that and the coven will be unable to take ownership of these minor trinkets, and thus will not deliver the mask. The magician refuses to go into detail but suggests that if more than twelve are placed in a single Ephisis box there is a serious risk that the pearls will simply be lost or worse.		It is important, stresses the Deep Water Spiritweaver, that ''only'' twelve pearls be placed in a given box. More than that and the coven will be unable to take ownership of these minor trinkets, and thus will not deliver the mask. The magician refuses to go into detail but suggests that if more than twelve are placed in a single Ephisis box there is a serious risk that the pearls will simply be lost or worse.

Matt: Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

2026-01-15T22:24:32Z

Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:24, 15 January 2026
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	* '''Another possibility has been raised in the form of a proposal to drain the depths of the Great Pits of Ennerlund		* '''Another possibility has been raised in the form of a proposal to drain the depths of the Great Pits of Ennerlund
	* '''Schuyler Koopman is currently visiting with the Kleists of Holberg waiting to see if an appraisal can be secured		* '''Schuyler Koopman is currently visiting with the Kleists of Holberg waiting to see if an appraisal can be secured
	During the Winter Solstice Schuyler Koopman, a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever\|Lijkkever]] families, [[Theory_of_the_crows#Kleistgast\|visited Anvil]]. After the summit, they accepted an open invitation from [[Holberg]] to visit the city and became enthusiastic about the potential to [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Little_Beetles\|establish a Sarcophan trading enclave]] in the northern Empire along the shores of [[the League]]. By all accounts there has been a similar level of enthusiasm in the city, and also among the Sand Fisher orcs of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]]. Schyuler proposed an [[appraisal]] to explore the best way to establish a port-town, and the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] initially [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund\|proposed]] commissioning [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to explore the possibility, but later [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Appraisal_of_Utterlund_Port\|changed their mind]] in favour of an [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Building_Lighthouses\|exploration of lighthouses]] (which has since been [[For those in peril on the sea\|delivered]]).		During the Winter Solstice Schuyler Koopman, a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever\|Lijkkever]] families, [[Theory_of_the_crows#Kleistgast\|visited Anvil]]. After the summit, they accepted an open invitation from [[Holberg]] to visit the city and became enthusiastic about the potential to [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Little_Beetles\|establish a Sarcophan trading enclave]] in the northern Empire along the shores of [[the League]]. By all accounts there has been a similar level of enthusiasm in the city, and also among the Sand Fisher orcs of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]]. Schyuler proposed an [[appraisal]] to explore the best way to establish a port-town, and the [[Senate]] initially [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund\|proposed]] commissioning [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to explore the possibility, but later [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Appraisal_of_Utterlund_Port\|changed their mind]] in favour of an [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Building_Lighthouses\|exploration of lighthouses]] (which has since been [[For those in peril on the sea\|delivered]]).

	There is obviously some disappointment among the port-enthusiasts, but Koopman remains optimistic that there is still a possibility for a joint Sarcophan-Imperial effort in the northern Empire. Schuyler Koopman himself has accepted an offer of hospitality from '''Bernhard''' and '''Lula Kleist von Ennerlund''' and has received cautious approval from the House of the Lijkkever to stay in the Empire a little longer. It's likely the industrious house is keen to recoup some of the losses they have apparently incurred in [[Axos]] by [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter\|liquidating their interests]] in the [[A_better_future#Issyk\|docks at Issyk]]. There has apparently been some discussion of draining the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]]; the Sarcophan have a great deal of experience working in marshy environments like the [[Holberg#The Morass\|Morass]] that few in the known world can match and none surpass. Rather than the Lijkkever, there is interest among some of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena\|Hyena]] families. While the Hyena themselves are not especially composed of miners, they obviously have extensive contacts with Sarcophan engineers and diggers of all kinds. Schyuler is able to confirm that if the [[Senate]] are prepared to ask ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' to appraise the matter there will be Sarcophan experts prepared to put themselves at her disposal. Of course, ideally, Koopman would prefer that happened ''after'' the matter of the port in Holberg is resolved.		There is obviously some disappointment among the port-enthusiasts, but Koopman remains optimistic that there is still a possibility for a joint Sarcophan-Imperial effort in the northern Empire. Schuyler Koopman himself has accepted an offer of hospitality from '''Bernhard''' and '''Lula Kleist von Ennerlund''' and has received cautious approval from the House of the Lijkkever to stay in the Empire a little longer. It's likely the industrious house is keen to recoup some of the losses they have apparently incurred in [[Axos]] by [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter\|liquidating their interests]] in the [[A_better_future#Issyk\|docks at Issyk]]. There has apparently been some discussion of draining the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]]; the Sarcophan have a great deal of experience working in marshy environments like the [[Holberg#The Morass\|Morass]] that few in the known world can match and none surpass. Rather than the Lijkkever, there is interest among some of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena\|Hyena]] families. While the Hyena themselves are not especially composed of miners, they obviously have extensive contacts with Sarcophan engineers and diggers of all kinds. Schyuler is able to confirm that if the [[Senate]] are prepared to ask ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' to appraise the matter there will be Sarcophan experts prepared to put themselves at her disposal. Of course, ideally, Koopman would prefer that happened ''after'' the matter of the port in Holberg is resolved.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Civil Service" to "[[Civil Service"

2026-01-15T22:21:44Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Civil Service" to "[[Civil Service"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:21, 15 January 2026
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	There are plenty of Sarcophan magicians who have experience dealing with eternals with an interest in the sea - or more realistically in concepts and resonances expressed through the metaphor of water and the ocean. Propitiating ''[[Siakha\|Maelstrom]]'' and trying to avoid her indiscriminate wrath (mostly, confesses the Sarcophan Ambassador, with limited success); trying to find ways to profit from the whimsical moods of the ''[[Rhianos\|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]''; hosting visitors from the City of Salt and Sail and things of that nature. Each of the six realms has their own "take" on what the sea means, but personally Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike finds most of them effectively useless - too esoteric, dangerous, or just flat out peculiar to be of value when compared to the kind of assistance that can be secured by the Sovereign-Lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Ocean]] (it's an interesting piece of trivia that some Sarcophan envision the Autumn Realm as a great ocean, with the cities built on islands, rather than the Iron Labyrinth favoured among Imperial magicians).		There are plenty of Sarcophan magicians who have experience dealing with eternals with an interest in the sea - or more realistically in concepts and resonances expressed through the metaphor of water and the ocean. Propitiating ''[[Siakha\|Maelstrom]]'' and trying to avoid her indiscriminate wrath (mostly, confesses the Sarcophan Ambassador, with limited success); trying to find ways to profit from the whimsical moods of the ''[[Rhianos\|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]''; hosting visitors from the City of Salt and Sail and things of that nature. Each of the six realms has their own "take" on what the sea means, but personally Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike finds most of them effectively useless - too esoteric, dangerous, or just flat out peculiar to be of value when compared to the kind of assistance that can be secured by the Sovereign-Lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Ocean]] (it's an interesting piece of trivia that some Sarcophan envision the Autumn Realm as a great ocean, with the cities built on islands, rather than the Iron Labyrinth favoured among Imperial magicians).

	Almost grudgingly, though, Annike confirms that there was ''some'' recognition from some of the magicians she mentioned "a dangerous eternal of the Winter Realm tied to the sea" to. They refused to talk about it, however, and advised having nothing to do with it if at all possible. With the written equivalent of a sigh, then, the Sarcophan Ambassador proposes that in the event the Imperial Ambassador thinks any of this technical knowledge might be useful, she would be happy to host a visiting researcher from the Empire's [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Doing so in the past has proved good for business after all. The researcher would need to spend time talking to magicians, and so she estimates an overall cost to the Empire of 10 Thrones. The research would take time - the [[~~Imperial~~ Civil Service\|civil service]] calculate it will need six months due to the distances involved. The assigned researcher would not be available until the work was complete, but would only count as a use of historical research for the summit where it was commissioned. There's no rush on this - the Sarcophan magicians are not going anywhere.		Almost grudgingly, though, Annike confirms that there was ''some'' recognition from some of the magicians she mentioned "a dangerous eternal of the Winter Realm tied to the sea" to. They refused to talk about it, however, and advised having nothing to do with it if at all possible. With the written equivalent of a sigh, then, the Sarcophan Ambassador proposes that in the event the Imperial Ambassador thinks any of this technical knowledge might be useful, she would be happy to host a visiting researcher from the Empire's [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Doing so in the past has proved good for business after all. The researcher would need to spend time talking to magicians, and so she estimates an overall cost to the Empire of 10 Thrones. The research would take time - the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] calculate it will need six months due to the distances involved. The assigned researcher would not be available until the work was complete, but would only count as a use of historical research for the summit where it was commissioned. There's no rush on this - the Sarcophan magicians are not going anywhere.

	The Civil Service point out that the value of this research will be heavily dependent on its scope; if there is a particular eternal they are interested in it might be best to ask about that rather than a more general query about spirits of the sea. It's well known that [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic\|Sarcophan magicians]] have their own particular areas of interest just as Imperial nations do. There's also a risk that what works in the Delves for dealing with eternals will not automatically work for Imperial magicians. ''Caveat emptor'', as they say in Old Asavean.		The Civil Service point out that the value of this research will be heavily dependent on its scope; if there is a particular eternal they are interested in it might be best to ask about that rather than a more general query about spirits of the sea. It's well known that [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic\|Sarcophan magicians]] have their own particular areas of interest just as Imperial nations do. There's also a risk that what works in the Delves for dealing with eternals will not automatically work for Imperial magicians. ''Caveat emptor'', as they say in Old Asavean.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:34:26Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:34, 15 January 2026
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	* '''Another possibility has been raised in the form of a proposal to drain the depths of the Great Pits of Ennerlund		* '''Another possibility has been raised in the form of a proposal to drain the depths of the Great Pits of Ennerlund
	* '''Schuyler Koopman is currently visiting with the Kleists of Holberg waiting to see if an appraisal can be secured		* '''Schuyler Koopman is currently visiting with the Kleists of Holberg waiting to see if an appraisal can be secured
	During the Winter Solstice Schuyler Koopman, a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever\|Lijkkever]] families, [[Theory_of_the_crows#Kleistgast\|visited Anvil]]. After the summit, they accepted an open invitation from [[Holberg]] to visit the city and became enthusiastic about the potential to [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Little_Beetles\|establish a Sarcophan trading enclave]] in the northern Empire along the shores of [[the League]]. By all accounts there has been a similar level of enthusiasm in the city, and also among the Sand Fisher orcs of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]]. Schyuler proposed an [[appraisal]] to explore the best way to establish a port-town, and the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate\|Senate]] initially [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund\|proposed]] commissioning [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to explore the possibility, but later [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Appraisal_of_Utterlund_Port\|changed their mind]] in favour of an [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Building_Lighthouses\|exploration of lighthouses]] (which has since been [[For those in peril on the sea\|delivered]]).		During the Winter Solstice Schuyler Koopman, a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever\|Lijkkever]] families, [[Theory_of_the_crows#Kleistgast\|visited Anvil]]. After the summit, they accepted an open invitation from [[Holberg]] to visit the city and became enthusiastic about the potential to [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Little_Beetles\|establish a Sarcophan trading enclave]] in the northern Empire along the shores of [[the League]]. By all accounts there has been a similar level of enthusiasm in the city, and also among the Sand Fisher orcs of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]]. Schyuler proposed an [[appraisal]] to explore the best way to establish a port-town, and the [[Senate\|Senate]] initially [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund\|proposed]] commissioning [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to explore the possibility, but later [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Appraisal_of_Utterlund_Port\|changed their mind]] in favour of an [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Building_Lighthouses\|exploration of lighthouses]] (which has since been [[For those in peril on the sea\|delivered]]).

	There is obviously some disappointment among the port-enthusiasts, but Koopman remains optimistic that there is still a possibility for a joint Sarcophan-Imperial effort in the northern Empire. Schuyler Koopman himself has accepted an offer of hospitality from '''Bernhard''' and '''Lula Kleist von Ennerlund''' and has received cautious approval from the House of the Lijkkever to stay in the Empire a little longer. It's likely the industrious house is keen to recoup some of the losses they have apparently incurred in [[Axos]] by [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter\|liquidating their interests]] in the [[A_better_future#Issyk\|docks at Issyk]]. There has apparently been some discussion of draining the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]]; the Sarcophan have a great deal of experience working in marshy environments like the [[Holberg#The Morass\|Morass]] that few in the known world can match and none surpass. Rather than the Lijkkever, there is interest among some of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena\|Hyena]] families. While the Hyena themselves are not especially composed of miners, they obviously have extensive contacts with Sarcophan engineers and diggers of all kinds. Schyuler is able to confirm that if the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] are prepared to ask ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' to appraise the matter there will be Sarcophan experts prepared to put themselves at her disposal. Of course, ideally, Koopman would prefer that happened ''after'' the matter of the port in Holberg is resolved.		There is obviously some disappointment among the port-enthusiasts, but Koopman remains optimistic that there is still a possibility for a joint Sarcophan-Imperial effort in the northern Empire. Schuyler Koopman himself has accepted an offer of hospitality from '''Bernhard''' and '''Lula Kleist von Ennerlund''' and has received cautious approval from the House of the Lijkkever to stay in the Empire a little longer. It's likely the industrious house is keen to recoup some of the losses they have apparently incurred in [[Axos]] by [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter\|liquidating their interests]] in the [[A_better_future#Issyk\|docks at Issyk]]. There has apparently been some discussion of draining the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]]; the Sarcophan have a great deal of experience working in marshy environments like the [[Holberg#The Morass\|Morass]] that few in the known world can match and none surpass. Rather than the Lijkkever, there is interest among some of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena\|Hyena]] families. While the Hyena themselves are not especially composed of miners, they obviously have extensive contacts with Sarcophan engineers and diggers of all kinds. Schyuler is able to confirm that if the [[Senate]] are prepared to ask ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' to appraise the matter there will be Sarcophan experts prepared to put themselves at her disposal. Of course, ideally, Koopman would prefer that happened ''after'' the matter of the port in Holberg is resolved.

	(There are, of course, other ways to get an appraisal than via the Senate. It's possible that any such method could be used, and if it can be directed to work with Sarcophan, it will probably be just as effective as the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticator's Office]] in finding an actionable way to approach either of these possibilities).		(There are, of course, other ways to get an appraisal than via the Senate. It's possible that any such method could be used, and if it can be directed to work with Sarcophan, it will probably be just as effective as the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticator's Office]] in finding an actionable way to approach either of these possibilities).

Twiggy: /* The Coast is Open For Business */

2025-08-21T02:05:40Z

The Coast is Open For Business

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:05, 21 August 2025
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	* '''A plenipotentiary from the Autumn Archmage might secure eternal assistance to encourage investment		* '''A plenipotentiary from the Autumn Archmage might secure eternal assistance to encourage investment
	* '''There is nothing to stop private citizens writing to the Bedelaar Huisbaas on behalf of the Brass Coast		* '''There is nothing to stop private citizens writing to the Bedelaar Huisbaas on behalf of the Brass Coast
	{{SOP\|statement=The Kruidenkenner of the Sarcophan Delves are not Prospering in Sarvos. We are a nation undertaking a grand renewal! Let us welcome these fine alchemists and traders, that our shared Ambitions will uplift us all. Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.\|by=Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo\|vote=Greater Majority 156-0\|when=Spring ~~Eqinox~~ 387YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=The Kruidenkenner of the Sarcophan Delves are not Prospering in Sarvos. We are a nation undertaking a grand renewal! Let us welcome these fine alchemists and traders, that our shared Ambitions will uplift us all. Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.\|by=Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo\|vote=Greater Majority 156-0\|when=Spring Equinox 387YE\|size=small}}
	'''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]], proposed a [[statement of principle]] during the Spring Equinox that proposed [[the Brass Coast]] would present a more amenable place to do business for the ''Kruidenkenner'' than [[Sarvos]]. "''Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.''" It's notable that ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Alama Vanderkleij'' who holds the Seat of the Hyena has [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail\|already expressed interest]] in the possibility of investing in the Coast. She is very interested in selling mithril and artisan metals to Freeborn markets... but not until the immediate threat of the Children of Wrecks is addressed. The Hyena are not especially concerned about the pirate ships - they have worked with the DeBruin before and see no problem doing so again. They are much more concerned about the [[Spring magic]] that raises storms and floods and is almost impossible to adequately prepare for.		'''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]], proposed a [[statement of principle]] during the Spring Equinox that proposed [[the Brass Coast]] would present a more amenable place to do business for the ''Kruidenkenner'' than [[Sarvos]]. "''Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.''" It's notable that ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Alama Vanderkleij'' who holds the Seat of the Hyena has [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail\|already expressed interest]] in the possibility of investing in the Coast. She is very interested in selling mithril and artisan metals to Freeborn markets... but not until the immediate threat of the Children of Wrecks is addressed. The Hyena are not especially concerned about the pirate ships - they have worked with the DeBruin before and see no problem doing so again. They are much more concerned about the [[Spring magic]] that raises storms and floods and is almost impossible to adequately prepare for.

Kirkbride: /* The Art of the Tomb */

2025-07-22T23:06:43Z

The Art of the Tomb

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:06, 22 July 2025
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	Unfortunately, this cannot be seen as anything other than a criticism of the Council of Benefactors by the Highborn Assembly. Confidence in the Council will recover eventually, but the amount of wains - of any kind - that the Council can apply will be halved following the event the statement is upheld, recovering by 2 wains a season thereafter until it is restored to full.		Unfortunately, this cannot be seen as anything other than a criticism of the Council of Benefactors by the Highborn Assembly. Confidence in the Council will recover eventually, but the amount of wains - of any kind - that the Council can apply will be halved following the event the statement is upheld, recovering by 2 wains a season thereafter until it is restored to full.

			'''Dagon''' has provided the wording for an alternate mandate:

			{{Mandate\|mandate=The actions of the benefactors who met with Senna van Ijzer of the Collectors do not represent the Council of Benefactors. We send (named priest) to urge all those trading with the Collectors to cease doing so and encourage their benefactors to seek the Wisdom of the Council before taking such offensive deals in the future.\|assembly=Highborn National Assembly}}

			If this mandate is enacted - and it requires no liao - then, much like the other mandate, the named priest will be empowered to speak with many of those dealing with the Collectors and explain the problem. The trade will slow to a trickle and then stop. The benefit enjoyed by businesses and mines will be lost, and the damage to the Cathedral of the Navigators will likewise stop before it really gets started. The reduction in wains to the Council of Benefactors would also take effect, and would recover at the same rate.

			These two mandates are, unsurprisingly, [[Mandate#Competing_Mandates\|competing]].

	==Beneath the Bay==		==Beneath the Bay==

GuiltyConscience: /* An Ultimatum */

2025-07-20T11:37:32Z

An Ultimatum

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:37, 20 July 2025
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	The Sarcophan Delves approached the Imperial Ambassador about the [[Theory_of_the_crows#A_New_Pact\|creation of the Free Seas Pact]] six months ago. The Imperial Ambassador, concerned about potential conflicts with the [[Liberty Pact]] was cautious and ultimately declined to become involved. The Sarcophan plan was to convince the Empire to join, and then use that to put pressure on the Commonwealth and Sumaah and eventually get everyone to agree to the pact. When the Empire equivocated, the plan fell apart; without their endorsement the other nations felt able to ignore the Delves.		The Sarcophan Delves approached the Imperial Ambassador about the [[Theory_of_the_crows#A_New_Pact\|creation of the Free Seas Pact]] six months ago. The Imperial Ambassador, concerned about potential conflicts with the [[Liberty Pact]] was cautious and ultimately declined to become involved. The Sarcophan plan was to convince the Empire to join, and then use that to put pressure on the Commonwealth and Sumaah and eventually get everyone to agree to the pact. When the Empire equivocated, the plan fell apart; without their endorsement the other nations felt able to ignore the Delves.

	In the absence of Imperial support, the Sarcophan Delves have abandoned the a communal approach and decided to act unilaterally. They have sent missives to every major nation - the Empire, [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]], [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asavea]], the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic]] - and numerous small nations announcing the imposition of the ''Pax Sarcophan'' - a public commitment from the Delves that they will not tolerate piracy of merchant vessels of other nations, they will not permit ''any'' nation to threaten international trade.		In the absence of Imperial support, the Sarcophan Delves have abandoned the communal approach and decided to act unilaterally. They have sent missives to every major nation - the Empire, [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]], [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asavea]], the [[Commonwealth]] and the [[Sumaah Republic]] - and numerous small nations announcing the imposition of the ''Pax Sarcophan'' - a public commitment from the Delves that they will not tolerate piracy of merchant vessels of other nations, they will not permit ''any'' nation to threaten international trade.

	They have issued the Empire - and every other nation with an ultimatum. Individual nations may do what they like to nations they are at war with - war is a harsh reality of the world and arguably good for business anyway. But the Delves will not permit anyone trying to prevent uninvolved nations from trading with those they are at war with. Any attempt to do so, by any nation, will cause the Delves to declare war on them. The Delves may not have the largest or most powerful navy in the world, but they will cut off all trade with the nation and hire marines, mercenaries and pirates to harry their shipping across the Seven Seas.		They have issued the Empire - and every other nation with an ultimatum. Individual nations may do what they like to nations they are at war with - war is a harsh reality of the world and arguably good for business anyway. But the Delves will not permit anyone trying to prevent uninvolved nations from trading with those they are at war with. Any attempt to do so, by any nation, will cause the Delves to declare war on them. The Delves may not have the largest or most powerful navy in the world, but they will cut off all trade with the nation and hire marines, mercenaries and pirates to harry their shipping across the Seven Seas.

Rafferty at 09:15, 20 July 2025

2025-07-20T09:15:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:15, 20 July 2025
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	<ic>"Signora Ambasciatrice." Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike inclined her head. The Asavean ambassador reciprocated with a nod of her own. It was probably a carefully calculated fraction less deferential than she had measured Annike's to be but honestly the Sarcophan didn't notice or care. Let the Asaveans have their little dominance games.		<ic>"Signora Ambasciatrice." Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike inclined her head. The Asavean ambassador reciprocated with a nod of her own. It was probably a carefully calculated fraction less deferential than she had measured Annike's to be but honestly the Sarcophan didn't notice or care. Let the Asaveans have their little dominance games.

	"Mevrouw ambassadeur." The Asavean was clearly pleased with herself; her smile was self-satisfied and she was practically vibrating with schadenfreude. She ~~clearly~~ felt she had the upper hand. Annike savoured the moment.		"Mevrouw ambassadeur." The Asavean was clearly pleased with herself; her smile was self-satisfied and she was practically vibrating with schadenfreude. She obviously felt she had the upper hand. Annike savoured the moment.

	"We have heard that your attempt to create a 'Free Seas Pact' has sadly foundered." The Ambassador couldn't contain her glee. "It is always a mistake to put your trust in the Empire. They will always disappoint you. But do not worry. We will not hold against you things said in haste. They are already forgotten!"		"We have heard that your attempt to create a 'Free Seas Pact' has sadly foundered." The Ambassador couldn't contain her glee. "It is always a mistake to put your trust in the Empire. They will always disappoint you. But do not worry. We will not hold against you things said in haste. They are already forgotten!"
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	"Oh I do hope not," said Annike. "I would hope that you have not forgotten that I reminded you exactly who you are dealing with, Madame."		"Oh I do hope not," said Annike. "I would hope that you have not forgotten that I reminded you exactly who you are dealing with, Madame."

	Confusion. The Ambasciatrice frowned. This was not going the way she had expected when she accepted Annike's invitation. She had ~~clearly~~ been expecting an apology, and came here with every intention of twisting the knife before magnanimously accepting it and then using that apology to launch her own foray into renegotiating trade tariffs.		Confusion. The Ambasciatrice frowned. This was not going the way she had expected when she accepted Annike's invitation. She had been expecting an apology, and came here with every intention of twisting the knife before magnanimously accepting it and then using that apology to launch her own foray into renegotiating trade tariffs.

	"I do not understand..." she said.		"I do not understand..." she said.
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	"The Free Seas Pact is over," she said calm again. "So now we have no choice but to establish the ''Pax Sarcophan''."		"The Free Seas Pact is over," she said calm again. "So now we have no choice but to establish the ''Pax Sarcophan''."

	The Ambasciatrice stiffened, eyes widening. She ~~clearly~~ understood that the decision to use Old Asavean was not a coincidence.		The Ambasciatrice stiffened, eyes widening. She understood that the decision to use Old Asavean was not a coincidence.

	"I've had a formal document created, but I wanted to tell you directly what is going to happen. We warned you. We warned your government, and you chose to ignore us. The Bedelaar Huisbaas will no longer tolerate any nation interfering with the flow of trade across the known world. You can have your ''wars''" She spit the word angrily, but reined herself back in again. "You can have your wars but any further attempt to blockade ports or support piracy against third-parties will result in a formal declaration of war. Furthermore, the Delves will use every tool at our disposal - and there are many at our disposal let me be candid - to ruin you. Those nations, I mean."		"I've had a formal document created, but I wanted to tell you directly what is going to happen. We warned you. We warned your government, and you chose to ignore us. The Bedelaar Huisbaas will no longer tolerate any nation interfering with the flow of trade across the known world. You can have your ''wars''" She spit the word angrily, but reined herself back in again. "You can have your wars but any further attempt to blockade ports or support piracy against third-parties will result in a formal declaration of war. Furthermore, the Delves will use every tool at our disposal - and there are many at our disposal let me be candid - to ruin you. Those nations, I mean."

Rosemary: /* Schyuler and Holberg */

2025-07-20T08:05:20Z

Schyuler and Holberg

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:05, 20 July 2025
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	As such the Kruidenkenner have requested that Esmé [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader\|speaker for the Guild]], consider sending a [[Call Winged Messenger\|Winged Messenger]] to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike detailing the scope and desires of the Guild, and whether they think there is a benefit in a closer relationship with the Kruidenkenner. They're particularly interested in whether the Guild would be prepared to cooperate on establishing a dedicated herbalist market in the Empire with the Sarcophan Delves.		As such the Kruidenkenner have requested that Esmé [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader\|speaker for the Guild]], consider sending a [[Call Winged Messenger\|Winged Messenger]] to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike detailing the scope and desires of the Guild, and whether they think there is a benefit in a closer relationship with the Kruidenkenner. They're particularly interested in whether the Guild would be prepared to cooperate on establishing a dedicated herbalist market in the Empire with the Sarcophan Delves.
	<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Actuallythebest001.png\|align=left\|width=250}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Actuallythebest001.png\|align=left\|width=250}}</div>
	==~~Schyuler~~ and Holberg==		==Schuyler and Holberg==
	* '''There is still interest in a cooperative venture to establish a port in Holberg		* '''There is still interest in a cooperative venture to establish a port in Holberg
	* '''Another possibility has been raised in the form of a proposal to drain the depths of the Great Pits of Ennerlund		* '''Another possibility has been raised in the form of a proposal to drain the depths of the Great Pits of Ennerlund
	* '''~~Schyuler~~ Koopman is currently visiting with the Kleists of Holberg waiting to see if an appraisal can be secured		* '''Schuyler Koopman is currently visiting with the Kleists of Holberg waiting to see if an appraisal can be secured
	During the Winter Solstice ~~Schyuler~~ Koopman, a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever\|Lijkkever]] families, [[Theory_of_the_crows#Kleistgast\|visited Anvil]]. After the summit, they accepted an open invitation from [[Holberg]] to visit the city and became enthusiastic about the potential to [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Little_Beetles\|establish a Sarcophan trading enclave]] in the northern Empire along the shores of [[the League]]. By all accounts there has been a similar level of enthusiasm in the city, and also among the Sand Fisher orcs of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]]. Schyuler proposed an [[appraisal]] to explore the best way to establish a port-town, and the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] initially [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund\|proposed]] commissioning [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to explore the possibility, but later [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Appraisal_of_Utterlund_Port\|changed their mind]] in favour of an [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Building_Lighthouses\|exploration of lighthouses]] (which has since been [[For those in peril on the sea\|delivered]]).		During the Winter Solstice Schuyler Koopman, a representative of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Lijkkever\|Lijkkever]] families, [[Theory_of_the_crows#Kleistgast\|visited Anvil]]. After the summit, they accepted an open invitation from [[Holberg]] to visit the city and became enthusiastic about the potential to [[Waiting_for_the_worms#Little_Beetles\|establish a Sarcophan trading enclave]] in the northern Empire along the shores of [[the League]]. By all accounts there has been a similar level of enthusiasm in the city, and also among the Sand Fisher orcs of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]]. Schyuler proposed an [[appraisal]] to explore the best way to establish a port-town, and the [[Imperial Senate\|Senate]] initially [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Port_in_Utterlund\|proposed]] commissioning [[Appraisal#Naomi_of_Virtue's_Rest\|Naomi of Virtue's Rest]] to explore the possibility, but later [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Abrogate_Appraisal_of_Utterlund_Port\|changed their mind]] in favour of an [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Appraise_Building_Lighthouses\|exploration of lighthouses]] (which has since been [[For those in peril on the sea\|delivered]]).

	There is obviously some disappointment among the port-enthusiasts, but Koopman remains optimistic that there is still a possibility for a joint Sarcophan-Imperial effort in the northern Empire. ~~Schyuler~~ Koopman himself has accepted an offer of hospitality from '''Bernhard''' and '''Lula Kleist von Ennerlund''' and has received cautious approval from the House of the Lijkkever to stay in the Empire a little longer. It's likely the industrious house is keen to recoup some of the losses they have apparently incurred in [[Axos]] by [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter\|liquidating their interests]] in the [[A_better_future#Issyk\|docks at Issyk]]. There has apparently been some discussion of draining the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]]; the Sarcophan have a great deal of experience working in marshy environments like the [[Holberg#The Morass\|Morass]] that few in the known world can match and none surpass. Rather than the Lijkkever, there is interest among some of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena\|Hyena]] families. While the Hyena themselves are not especially composed of miners, they obviously have extensive contacts with Sarcophan engineers and diggers of all kinds. Schyuler is able to confirm that if the [[Imperial Senate]] are prepared to ask ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' to appraise the matter there will be Sarcophan experts prepared to put themselves at her disposal. Of course, ideally, Koopman would prefer that happened ''after'' the matter of the port in Holberg is resolved.		There is obviously some disappointment among the port-enthusiasts, but Koopman remains optimistic that there is still a possibility for a joint Sarcophan-Imperial effort in the northern Empire. Schuyler Koopman himself has accepted an offer of hospitality from '''Bernhard''' and '''Lula Kleist von Ennerlund''' and has received cautious approval from the House of the Lijkkever to stay in the Empire a little longer. It's likely the industrious house is keen to recoup some of the losses they have apparently incurred in [[Axos]] by [[Waiting_for_the_worms#A_Delicate_Private_Matter\|liquidating their interests]] in the [[A_better_future#Issyk\|docks at Issyk]]. There has apparently been some discussion of draining the [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]]; the Sarcophan have a great deal of experience working in marshy environments like the [[Holberg#The Morass\|Morass]] that few in the known world can match and none surpass. Rather than the Lijkkever, there is interest among some of the [[Founders_of_the_Delves#The_Hyena\|Hyena]] families. While the Hyena themselves are not especially composed of miners, they obviously have extensive contacts with Sarcophan engineers and diggers of all kinds. Schyuler is able to confirm that if the [[Imperial Senate]] are prepared to ask ''Naomi of Virtue's Rest'' to appraise the matter there will be Sarcophan experts prepared to put themselves at her disposal. Of course, ideally, Koopman would prefer that happened ''after'' the matter of the port in Holberg is resolved.

	(There are, of course, other ways to get an appraisal than via the Senate. It's possible that any such method could be used, and if it can be directed to work with Sarcophan, it will probably be just as effective as the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticator's Office]] in finding an actionable way to approach either of these possibilities).		(There are, of course, other ways to get an appraisal than via the Senate. It's possible that any such method could be used, and if it can be directed to work with Sarcophan, it will probably be just as effective as the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticator's Office]] in finding an actionable way to approach either of these possibilities).

	Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is more philosophical about the matter - every great nation has uncountable numbers of things they need to deal with at any given time. Also, she received a well-written explanation and apology from a citizen of [[the Brass Coast]] that laid out the reasoning for the change - even had she minded to be irritated the letter would have settled her temper. While the Lijkkever and the Hyena are intrigued by possibilities in Holberg, the Ambassador need not worry about a risk of "offending" the Delves. Business is business. If the port, or the joint effort to drain the Great Pits of Ennerlund, go ahead that will strengthen Sarcophan interest in the Empire and bring healthy profits to those involved. If they don't... there'll be plenty of other opportunities in the future, most likely. The Delves as a whole has little particular investment one way or another in what happens in Holberg.		Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is more philosophical about the matter - every great nation has uncountable numbers of things they need to deal with at any given time. Also, she received a well-written explanation and apology from a citizen of [[the Brass Coast]] that laid out the reasoning for the change - even had she minded to be irritated the letter would have settled her temper. While the Lijkkever and the Hyena are intrigued by possibilities in Holberg, the Ambassador need not worry about a risk of "offending" the Delves. Business is business. If the port, or the joint effort to drain the Great Pits of Ennerlund, go ahead that will strengthen Sarcophan interest in the Empire and bring healthy profits to those involved. If they don't... there'll be plenty of other opportunities in the future, most likely. The Delves as a whole has little particular investment one way or another in what happens in Holberg.

	==The Coast is Open For Business==		==The Coast is Open For Business==
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Mistress of the Glass Parador.jpg\|caption='''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', Mistress of the Glass Parador\|align=right\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Mistress of the Glass Parador.jpg\|caption='''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', Mistress of the Glass Parador\|align=right\|width=250}}

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	There are plenty of Sarcophan magicians who have experience dealing with eternals with an interest in the sea - or more realistically in concepts and resonances expressed through the metaphor of water and the ocean. Propitiating ''[[Siakha\|Maelstrom]]'' and trying to avoid her indiscriminate wrath (mostly, confesses the Sarcophan Ambassador, with limited success); trying to find ways to profit from the whimsical moods of the ''[[Rhianos\|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]''; hosting visitors from the City of Salt and Sail and things of that nature. Each of the six realms has their own "take" on what the sea means, but personally Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike finds most of them effectively useless - too esoteric, dangerous, or just flat out peculiar to be of value when compared to the kind of assistance that can be secured by the Sovereign-Lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Ocean]] (it's an interesting piece of trivia that some Sarcophan envision the Autumn Realm as a great ocean, with the cities built on islands, rather than the Iron Labyrinth favoured among Imperial magicians).		There are plenty of Sarcophan magicians who have experience dealing with eternals with an interest in the sea - or more realistically in concepts and resonances expressed through the metaphor of water and the ocean. Propitiating ''[[Siakha\|Maelstrom]]'' and trying to avoid her indiscriminate wrath (mostly, confesses the Sarcophan Ambassador, with limited success); trying to find ways to profit from the whimsical moods of the ''[[Rhianos\|Regent of the Eternal Sea]]''; hosting visitors from the City of Salt and Sail and things of that nature. Each of the six realms has their own "take" on what the sea means, but personally Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike finds most of them effectively useless - too esoteric, dangerous, or just flat out peculiar to be of value when compared to the kind of assistance that can be secured by the Sovereign-Lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Ocean]] (it's an interesting piece of trivia that some Sarcophan envision the Autumn Realm as a great ocean, with the cities built on islands, rather than the Iron Labyrinth favoured among Imperial magicians).

	Almost grudgingly, though, Annike confirms that there was ''some'' recognition from some of the magicians she mentioned "a dangerous eternal of the Winter Realm tied to the sea" to. They refused to talk about it, however, and advised having nothing to do with it if at all possible. With the written equivalent of a sigh, then, the Sarcophan Ambassador proposes that in the event the Imperial Ambassador thinks any of this technical knowledge might be useful, she would be happy to host a visiting researcher from the Empire's [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Doing so in the past has proved good for business after all. The researcher would need to spend time talking to magicians, and so she estimates an overall cost to the Empire of 10 Thrones. The research would take time - the [[~~Imperial~~ Civil Service\|civil service]] calculate it will need six months due to the distances involved. The assigned researcher would not be available until the work was complete, but would only count as a use of historical research for the summit where it was commissioned. There's no rush on this - the Sarcophan magicians are not going anywhere.		Almost grudgingly, though, Annike confirms that there was ''some'' recognition from some of the magicians she mentioned "a dangerous eternal of the Winter Realm tied to the sea" to. They refused to talk about it, however, and advised having nothing to do with it if at all possible. With the written equivalent of a sigh, then, the Sarcophan Ambassador proposes that in the event the Imperial Ambassador thinks any of this technical knowledge might be useful, she would be happy to host a visiting researcher from the Empire's [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Doing so in the past has proved good for business after all. The researcher would need to spend time talking to magicians, and so she estimates an overall cost to the Empire of 10 Thrones. The research would take time - the [[Civil Service\|civil service]] calculate it will need six months due to the distances involved. The assigned researcher would not be available until the work was complete, but would only count as a use of historical research for the summit where it was commissioned. There's no rush on this - the Sarcophan magicians are not going anywhere.

	The Civil Service point out that the value of this research will be heavily dependent on its scope; if there is a particular eternal they are interested in it might be best to ask about that rather than a more general query about spirits of the sea. It's well known that [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic\|Sarcophan magicians]] have their own particular areas of interest just as Imperial nations do. There's also a risk that what works in the Delves for dealing with eternals will not automatically work for Imperial magicians. ''Caveat emptor'', as they say in Old Asavean.		The Civil Service point out that the value of this research will be heavily dependent on its scope; if there is a particular eternal they are interested in it might be best to ask about that rather than a more general query about spirits of the sea. It's well known that [[Sarcophan_Delves#Magic\|Sarcophan magicians]] have their own particular areas of interest just as Imperial nations do. There's also a risk that what works in the Delves for dealing with eternals will not automatically work for Imperial magicians. ''Caveat emptor'', as they say in Old Asavean.

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	At the moment the Delves are profiting from their relationship with the Empire. The profit margins might have narrowed a little, but they are still healthy. As the Imperial Ambassador points out, the Empire lets merchants from the Delves operate under a [[Tariffs#Free_Trade\|free trade]] agreement, and the Beggar's Feast would be loathe to see that situation change. Ambassador Dino, however, has raised some questions about whether that situation will continue. The Beggars Banquet has discussed the matter at length, and while they would prefer to continue benefiting from the agreement they will understand if the Empire chooses to return them to a [[Tariffs#Mercantilist\|mercantilist]] position. They'd rather not see that happen, obviously, but they are pragmatic about the chances it will.		At the moment the Delves are profiting from their relationship with the Empire. The profit margins might have narrowed a little, but they are still healthy. As the Imperial Ambassador points out, the Empire lets merchants from the Delves operate under a [[Tariffs#Free_Trade\|free trade]] agreement, and the Beggar's Feast would be loathe to see that situation change. Ambassador Dino, however, has raised some questions about whether that situation will continue. The Beggars Banquet has discussed the matter at length, and while they would prefer to continue benefiting from the agreement they will understand if the Empire chooses to return them to a [[Tariffs#Mercantilist\|mercantilist]] position. They'd rather not see that happen, obviously, but they are pragmatic about the chances it will.

	It isn't a threat, but if the Senate chooses to move away from free trade, it will certainly impact Sarcophan enthusiasm for investing in the Empire. It won't stop it completely - but they are likely to focus their interests on the ~~Alvetti~~ estate in Sarvos, rather than look for ways to trade with the wider Empire, at least in the short term. And, as the Senate surely appreciates, the cost of tariffs is ultimately borne by the customer.		It isn't a threat, but if the Senate chooses to move away from free trade, it will certainly impact Sarcophan enthusiasm for investing in the Empire. It won't stop it completely - but they are likely to focus their interests on the Alivetti estate in Sarvos, rather than look for ways to trade with the wider Empire, at least in the short term. And, as the Senate surely appreciates, the cost of tariffs is ultimately borne by the customer.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Apothecaries Guild.png\|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Apothecaries Guild.png\|title=Imperial Apothecaries' Guild\|align=right\|width=200}}
	==The Apothecaries Guild==		==The Apothecaries Guild==
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	'''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]], proposed a [[statement of principle]] during the Spring Equinox that proposed [[the Brass Coast]] would present a more amenable place to do business for the ''Kruidenkenner'' than [[Sarvos]]. "''Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.''" It's notable that ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Alama Vanderkleij'' who holds the Seat of the Hyena has [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail\|already expressed interest]] in the possibility of investing in the Coast. She is very interested in selling mithril and artisan metals to Freeborn markets... but not until the immediate threat of the Children of Wrecks is addressed. The Hyena are not especially concerned about the pirate ships - they have worked with the DeBruin before and see no problem doing so again. They are much more concerned about the [[Spring magic]] that raises storms and floods and is almost impossible to adequately prepare for.		'''Ignacio i Zuhri i Erigo''', the [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]], proposed a [[statement of principle]] during the Spring Equinox that proposed [[the Brass Coast]] would present a more amenable place to do business for the ''Kruidenkenner'' than [[Sarvos]]. "''Let it be known: the Coast is open for business.''" It's notable that ''Bedelaar Huisbaas Alama Vanderkleij'' who holds the Seat of the Hyena has [[Hyenas_and_herbs#Hyenas_Under_Sail\|already expressed interest]] in the possibility of investing in the Coast. She is very interested in selling mithril and artisan metals to Freeborn markets... but not until the immediate threat of the Children of Wrecks is addressed. The Hyena are not especially concerned about the pirate ships - they have worked with the DeBruin before and see no problem doing so again. They are much more concerned about the [[Spring magic]] that raises storms and floods and is almost impossible to adequately prepare for.

	Following Ignacio's statement, however, there has been a surge of interest in the possibilities of closer trade ties with the Delves. One of the advantages the Sarcophan enjoy in Sarvos is the establishment (and concedence) of the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave\|~~Alvetti~~ estates]]; could the Brass Coast offer a similar opportunity to the Delves? There are plenty of Sarcophan houses, families, and guilds who are eager to access not only the Brass Coast wealth of metals from [[Kahraman]] but also luxury goods such as [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Syrah\|syrah]], Freeborn glass and fine cloth, rich spices, and the like. The staff at the [[Redoubt#The_Embassies_of_Cargo\|Sarcophan Embassy]] have made a brief assessment of the situation and offered some advice to the Freeborn assembly.		Following Ignacio's statement, however, there has been a surge of interest in the possibilities of closer trade ties with the Delves. One of the advantages the Sarcophan enjoy in Sarvos is the establishment (and concedence) of the [[Sarvos#Sarcophan_Enclave\|Alivetti estates]]; could the Brass Coast offer a similar opportunity to the Delves? There are plenty of Sarcophan houses, families, and guilds who are eager to access not only the Brass Coast wealth of metals from [[Kahraman]] but also luxury goods such as [[The_Brass_Coast_culture_and_customs#Syrah\|syrah]], Freeborn glass and fine cloth, rich spices, and the like. The staff at the [[Redoubt#The_Embassies_of_Cargo\|Sarcophan Embassy]] have made a brief assessment of the situation and offered some advice to the Freeborn assembly.

	Dealing with the Children of Wrecks is unlikely to be something the Brass Coast could do on their own but there may be other opportunities. The Delves have made it clear they're happy to cooperate with [[appraisal\|appraisals]] aimed at improving trade with the Empire. The Senate - or perhaps even [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung\|die Beurteilung]] - could find ways to allay the concerns of the Hyena, and encourage them to invest in the Coast even with the threat of the Children still ongoing.		Dealing with the Children of Wrecks is unlikely to be something the Brass Coast could do on their own but there may be other opportunities. The Delves have made it clear they're happy to cooperate with [[appraisal\|appraisals]] aimed at improving trade with the Empire. The Senate - or perhaps even [[Beat_of_your_drum#Die_Beurteilung\|die Beurteilung]] - could find ways to allay the concerns of the Hyena, and encourage them to invest in the Coast even with the threat of the Children still ongoing.
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	The flower is difficult to spot. It’s a very similar shade of pink to vlinderbloem, but its petals seem to spiral endlessly inwards. It's difficult to say when exactly it began to appear, because the first few reports of it were discounted as imperfect batches of vlinderbloem. The Kraft brothers have coined the name “draaikolkbloem” for the new flower, but seem just as clueless as Hahnmark’s farmers as to where it has come from and why it is growing amongst their commissioned plants. However, the brothers smell business and are keen for the farmers accidentally cultivating the flower to investigate whether it has any properties which would make it worth selling.		The flower is difficult to spot. It’s a very similar shade of pink to vlinderbloem, but its petals seem to spiral endlessly inwards. It's difficult to say when exactly it began to appear, because the first few reports of it were discounted as imperfect batches of vlinderbloem. The Kraft brothers have coined the name “draaikolkbloem” for the new flower, but seem just as clueless as Hahnmark’s farmers as to where it has come from and why it is growing amongst their commissioned plants. However, the brothers smell business and are keen for the farmers accidentally cultivating the flower to investigate whether it has any properties which would make it worth selling.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box> '''OOC info:''' This is what a draaikolkbloem lammy looks like: ''This pink flower's petals seem to spiral endlessly inwards. Once the spiral has captured your attention, it is difficult to look away. There is no mechanical effect when applying this flower to a character.'' </box></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><box> '''OOC info:''' This is what a draaikolkbloem lammy looks like: ''This pink flower's petals seem to spiral endlessly inwards. Once the spiral has captured your attention, it is difficult to look away. There is no mechanical effect when applying this flower to a character.'' </box></div>
	A Sarcophan vintner holidaying at the ~~Alvetti~~ Estate is also curious about investing early. ''Renaten van Zuredruiven'' suspects that draaikolkbloem is similar enough in form to vlinderbloem to be able to use it to brew viezesmaak. They see the strange shape of the flower as simply further evidence of the rich terroir of the Hahnmark earth, and believe it could be a great selling point for the Wintermark-grown narcotic. They have hot-footed it to [[Anvil]] and expect to arrive at the ''Tree of Names'' at one in the afternoon on Sunday, where they will be very happy to take draaikolkbloem off Imperial hands. They will use the blooms to brew a batch of viezesmaak and return a dose each to everyone who offers a flower, for them to sample for themselves next season. They hasten to add that this is not a long-term business deal - they will make a loss on their experiments over the coming season, but they suspect that the knowledge gained will prove more than worth the coin sacrificed in the long run.		A Sarcophan vintner holidaying at the Alivetti Estate is also curious about investing early. ''Renaten van Zuredruiven'' suspects that draaikolkbloem is similar enough in form to vlinderbloem to be able to use it to brew viezesmaak. They see the strange shape of the flower as simply further evidence of the rich terroir of the Hahnmark earth, and believe it could be a great selling point for the Wintermark-grown narcotic. They have hot-footed it to [[Anvil]] and expect to arrive at the ''Tree of Names'' at one in the afternoon on Sunday, where they will be very happy to take draaikolkbloem off Imperial hands. They will use the blooms to brew a batch of viezesmaak and return a dose each to everyone who offers a flower, for them to sample for themselves next season. They hasten to add that this is not a long-term business deal - they will make a loss on their experiments over the coming season, but they suspect that the knowledge gained will prove more than worth the coin sacrificed in the long run.

	As for how this strange flower has come to grow? There is no clear reason. Some point to the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil\|Penumbral Veil]] drawn across the territory these past seasons, and wonder if the [[Night magic]] has begun to leech into the very soil. Others say that it must be because Hahnmark soil is much richer in ores and minerals than the parts of the Sarcophan Delves usually given over to cultivation of vlinderbloem, and that the draaikolkbloem must need these extra nutrients to thrive. Still others point to the [[Stars_and_sigils#Strangeness_in_the_Northwest\|strange behaviour of animals]] in some areas of Wintermark lately, and wonder if the appearance of these plants is simply the flora responding just as the fauna already has been.		As for how this strange flower has come to grow? There is no clear reason. Some point to the [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil\|Penumbral Veil]] drawn across the territory these past seasons, and wonder if the [[Night magic]] has begun to leech into the very soil. Others say that it must be because Hahnmark soil is much richer in ores and minerals than the parts of the Sarcophan Delves usually given over to cultivation of vlinderbloem, and that the draaikolkbloem must need these extra nutrients to thrive. Still others point to the [[Stars_and_sigils#Strangeness_in_the_Northwest\|strange behaviour of animals]] in some areas of Wintermark lately, and wonder if the appearance of these plants is simply the flora responding just as the fauna already has been.
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	* '''The offer is good for the Summer Solstice only		* '''The offer is good for the Summer Solstice only
	* '''They caution against including more than a dozen black pearls in any Ephisis' Box		* '''They caution against including more than a dozen black pearls in any Ephisis' Box
	Several Sarcophan merchants visiting the Empire this season have become aware of a peculiar phenomenon in which [[The_last_leg#Pearls_Before_Swine\|strange black pearls]] are being found by captains traversing the Bay of Catazar. Some of these Sarcophan have themselves come into possession of them. By coincidence, a Sarcophan magician visiting family at the ~~Alvetti~~ Estates was on board one of the ships who found one of these pearls and on reaching the docks immediately issued an offer to the fleet captains of the Empire. It appears that the magicians of the ''Deep Water Spiritweavers'' - a wealthy [[bands#coven\|coven]] of Sarcophan dedicated to ship-based magics, will offer a ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' in return for 12 of these black pearls placed in an [[Ephisis' Scale\|Ephisis Box]] along with a piece of parchment bearing a drawing of a ship's anchor. A ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' is a difficult to get hold of [[:Category:Foci\|magical focus]] that apparently offers a small boost to the ability to perform any ritual that enchants a [[fleet]] - regardless of the "school of magic" (that is, the realm) to which it belongs. The mask will be delivered by the start of the Autumn Equinox.		Several Sarcophan merchants visiting the Empire this season have become aware of a peculiar phenomenon in which [[The_last_leg#Pearls_Before_Swine\|strange black pearls]] are being found by captains traversing the Bay of Catazar. Some of these Sarcophan have themselves come into possession of them. By coincidence, a Sarcophan magician visiting family at the Alivetti Estates was on board one of the ships who found one of these pearls and on reaching the docks immediately issued an offer to the fleet captains of the Empire. It appears that the magicians of the ''Deep Water Spiritweavers'' - a wealthy [[bands#coven\|coven]] of Sarcophan dedicated to ship-based magics, will offer a ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' in return for 12 of these black pearls placed in an [[Ephisis' Scale\|Ephisis Box]] along with a piece of parchment bearing a drawing of a ship's anchor. A ''Mask of the Seven Seas'' is a difficult to get hold of [[:Category:Foci\|magical focus]] that apparently offers a small boost to the ability to perform any ritual that enchants a [[fleet]] - regardless of the "school of magic" (that is, the realm) to which it belongs. The mask will be delivered by the start of the Autumn Equinox.

	It is important, stresses the Deep Water Spiritweaver, that ''only'' twelve pearls be placed in a given box. More than that and the coven will be unable to take ownership of these minor trinkets, and thus will not deliver the mask. The magician refuses to go into detail but suggests that if more than twelve are placed in a single Ephisis box there is a serious risk that the pearls will simply be lost or worse.		It is important, stresses the Deep Water Spiritweaver, that ''only'' twelve pearls be placed in a given box. More than that and the coven will be unable to take ownership of these minor trinkets, and thus will not deliver the mask. The magician refuses to go into detail but suggests that if more than twelve are placed in a single Ephisis box there is a serious risk that the pearls will simply be lost or worse.